Mezo

Mezo is a medium-potency synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. Studies in asthmatic patients have demonstrated that Mezo provides a favorable ratio of topical to systemic activity due to its primary local effect along with the extensive hepatic metabolism and the lack of active metabolites. Though effective for the treatment of asthma, glucocorticoids do not affect asthma symptoms immediately. Maximum improvement in symptoms following inhaled administration of Mezo furoate may not be achieved for 1 to 2 weeks or longer after starting treatment. The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, lipocortins, which control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Mezo is a cortisone-like steroid available in cream, ointment, and lotion form. It is used to treat certain itchy rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Mezo is used to help prevent the symptoms of asthma and improve breathing in patients 4 years of age and older. When used regularly every day, inhaled Mezo decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks. However, it will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Mezo HFA is used as a maintenance treatment for the prevention and control of asthma symptoms in patients 12 years of age and older.

Inhaled Mezo belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms.

Mezo is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Administer Mezo by the orally inhaled route only. Instruct patients to inhale rapidly and deeply. Advise patients to rinse the mouth after inhalation. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief. Maximum benefit may not be achieved for 1 to 2 weeks or longer after initiation of treatment. After asthma stability has been achieved, it is desirable to titrate to the lowest effective dosage to reduce the possibility of side effects. For patients ≥12 years of age who do not respond adequately to the starting dose after 2 weeks of therapy, higher doses may provide additional asthma control. The safety and efficacy of Mezo when administered in excess of recommended doses have not been established.

Recommended Dosages in Patients 4 Years of Age and Older

The recommended starting doses and highest recommended daily dose for Mezo treatment based on prior asthma therapy are provided in Table 1.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Mezo?

Do not use Mezo to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast acting inhalation medication.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Use Mezo spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Mezo spray. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Mezo spray is used in the nose.
• Before using Mezo spray the first time, pump it up to 10 times or until a fine mist appears. If Mezo spray has not been used for more than 1 week, prime it by pumping it 2 times or until a fine mist appears before using it.
• Shake well before each use.
• Use Mezo spray at regular intervals exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.
• Blow your nose gently to clear passages before using Mezo spray. Spray into each nostril as directed.
• Avoid spraying into the eyes, mouth, or directly onto the nasal septum (the wall between your nostrils).
• After using Mezo spray, wipe the applicator with a clean tissue and replace the lid.
• The maximum benefit of Mezo spray is usually achieved within 1 to 2 weeks. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• If Mezo spray is being used to prevent seasonal allergy symptoms, begin treatment 2 to 4 weeks before the expected start of the pollen season.
• Use Mezo spray on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• Continue to use Mezo spray even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Mezo spray, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Mezo spray.

Mezo is used to treat used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergies of nose and nasal polyps (fleshy swelling inside the nose).

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What other drugs will affect Mezo?

In clinical trials, concurrent administration of ASMANEX HFA and other drugs, such as short-acting beta2-agonist and intranasal corticosteroids have not resulted in an increased frequency of adverse drug reactions. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with ASMANEX HFA.

Inhibitors Of Cytochrome P450 3A4

The main route of metabolism of corticosteroids, including Mezo furoate, is via CYP3A4. After oral administration of ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, the mean plasma concentration of orally inhaled Mezo furoate increased. Concomitant administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors may inhibit the metabolism of, and increase the systemic exposure to, Mezo furoate. Caution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of ASMANEX HFA with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin).

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What are the possible side effects of Mezo?

Applies to Mezo: inhalation aerosol powder, inhalation powder

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Mezo (the active ingredient contained in Mezo). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking Mezo:

More common:

• Body aches or pain
• cold or flu-like symptoms
• congestion
• cough
• dryness or soreness of the throat

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• diarrhea
• fever or chills
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• nausea

• White patches inside the nose or mouth

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with Mezo may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

More common:

• Difficulty with moving
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• headache
• increased abdominal or stomach pain and cramping during menstrual periods
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• muscle or joint pain
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nasal burning and irritation
• stomach discomfort following meals
• stuffy or runny nose
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained runny nose or sneezing
• upset stomach

• Accidental injury
• bladder pain
• bloated
• bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
• bloody or cloudy urine
• chest congestion
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
• frequent urge to urinate
• full feeling
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• lower back or side pain
• menstrual changes
• passing gas
• post-procedure pain
• shivering
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting